The Archbishop Lanfranc School

I have become very keen on the word “resilience”; I believe it conveys one of the strengths of our school community.  We have faced a potentially difficult year with optimism damaged by the loss of our BSF project for a new school building and a funding situation which has become quite acute.  In the true Lanfranc spirit however everyone has risen to the challenge and made an even greater commitment to the school.

There have been particular successes, including NACE’s reaccreditation of our gifted and talented provision and the award of the gold standard for our staff training programme.  Our sport has gone from strength to strength with especially notable national achievements in basketball and athletics.  In November there was a very positive Ofsted inspection of our science department.

In recent weeks we have witnessed outstanding achievement in art and musical performance as well as the excellence of our participants in the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative.  Debating has again been both popular and successful.

Examples of staff being prepared to “go the extra mile” have included a far-reaching programme of one-to-one tuition and small group tutorials; pupils have benefited from increased self confidence in addition to acquiring additional subject expertise.  The range of enrichment activities, including trips and residential visits, has continued to expand in contrast to national trends.

The role of our prefects has developed as the outstanding groups of senior pupils have taken on additional responsibilities for hosting school events as well as performing duties and acting as positive role models throughout the day.

The culmination of this year’s efforts will come with the publication of the GCSE examination results.  I have never been more confident in predicting best ever outcomes for the outgoing year 11 who have proved to be a very special group.

As ever at this time of year we are preparing for some changes.

The following teaching staff are leaving:

All these teachers, with the exception of Ms Affleck and Ms S Williams, began their careers with us.  Every one of those departing has made a significant contribution to the school, many of them beyond their classroom teaching.  We wish them all well in their chosen pathways.

In addition, some teachers will miss part of next year:

Susan Arscott and Juan Hernandez will be leaving their posts in the fitness suite as this will no longer be available to the public due to the cessation of central funding.

The following staff are joining:

Changes in responsibilities:

Year coordinators for 2011-2012

I hope you have a peaceful and enjoyable summer break.